Former legal counsel for Charles Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has questioned the basis of his former client’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment raises serious legal concerns and should be challenged on appeal.

In an exclusive interview after the judgment, lawyer Ohene Amankwaa Gyan described the conviction as a “sad day,” saying he was deeply disappointed by the outcome.
“I have heard people celebrate the conviction as a deterrent to illegal mining, but I question whether the actual culprit has been punished,” he said.

The lawyer queried the presence of the man who at the court openly admitted involvement in activities linked to the Samleboi enclave, he believes there are unanswered questions about whether the real perpetrators of the alleged illegal mining operations were held accountable.

He further questioned whether his former client had become the main target of the prosecution.
“Does it mean Wontumi was the target rather than the real culprit? Does it mean other persons could go untouched just to incriminate him,” he stated.

Ohene Amankwaa Gyan revealed that he is dissatisfied with the court’s judgment and has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

He disclosed that while he was still part of the defence team, they filed an appeal after the trial judge issued a submission of no case to answer, but said the application had not yet been determined.

Expressing optimism, the lawyer said a fresh appeal could produce a favourable outcome if pursued diligently.
Addressing claims that he withdrew from the case because he anticipated defeat, the former counsel dismissed the speculation, insisting that no lawyer could predict a judge’s final decision.
He explained that his withdrawal was solely based on his client’s own decision and not because he foresaw a losing case.

He added that any appeal would likely challenge both the conviction and the sentence, with possible outcomes including the quashing of the conviction, a reduction of the prison term, or even an enhancement of the sentence, depending on the appellate court’s findings.
Despite the uncertainty, the former lawyer maintained that he remains hopeful Wontumi could obtain a positive outcome if his lawyers proceed with an appeal. has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

He disclosed that while he was still part of the defence team, they filed an appeal after the trial judge dismissed their submission of no case to answer, but said the application had not yet been determined.
Expressing optimism, the lawyer said a fresh appeal could produce a favourable outcome if pursued diligently.

Addressing claims that he withdrew from the case because he anticipated defeat, the former counsel dismissed the speculation, insisting that no lawyer could predict a judge’s final decision.
He explained that his withdrawal was solely based on his client’s own decision and not because he foresaw a losing case.

He added that any appeal would likely challenge both the conviction and the sentence, with possible outcomes including the quashing of the conviction, a reduction of the prison term, or even an enhancement of the sentence, depending on the appellate court’s findings.
Despite the uncertainty, the former lawyer maintained that he remains hopeful Wontumi could obtain a positive outcome if his lawyers proceed with an appeal.

Legal practitioner Ohene Amankwaa Gyan has described the appointment of a Notary Public as a prestigious honour that comes with enormous responsibility, urging beneficiaries to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Speaking in an exclusive interview after receiving his Notary Public status, Amankwaa explained that a Notary Public licence is a special authorization granted by the courts to experienced lawyers who have diligently served at the Bar for more than 10 years, in accordance with the Notaries Public Act, 1960.
He noted that the appointment empowers lawyers to authenticate legal documents with an official seal, making the role critical to the administration of justice.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for the recognition, lawyer Amankwaa said he was honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious responsibility.
He explained that the selection and appointment of Notary Public lawyers are based on a lawyer’s integrity, discipline, and professional record, adding that candidates undergo thorough scrutiny before being approved by the appropriate legal authorities.

According to him, the annual exercise, led by the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service, is intended to recognize lawyers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.
While celebrating the achievement, Amankwaa cautioned that the status should never be abused.
He warned that because Notary Public lawyers are relatively few, some people may attempt to exploit their official seals and authority for fraudulent purposes.

He also expressed concern that some Notary Public lawyers fail to properly scrutinize documents, especially those involving relatives or people they know personally, saying such negligence undermines the credibility of the office urged all beneficiaries to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence at all times, stressing that any abuse of the privilege or failure to follow the law could result in the withdrawal of their licence by the relevant authorities.
“Being a Notary Public is an honour worth celebrating, but it is also a responsibility that demands integrity, discipline and strict adherence to the law,” he emphasized.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested 26 suspects linked to cybercrime, human trafficking and related offences in a major intelligence-led operation, while rescuing 33 victims across different parts of the country.

According to the Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, the coordinated operation was carried out on July 3, 2026, following intelligence gathered by the police.

Speaking to the media, she disclosed that officers arrested 10 suspects at Mataheko-Afienya, where nine victims were rescued. Another 11 suspects were picked up at Fafa, leading to the rescue of six victims.
The operation continued at Kwabenya, where police arrested five suspects and rescued 18 victims.

Police identified some of the suspects as Collins Francis Olayi Ojo, Matthew Balogun, Jahil Belu, Abdul Rahman Ofizi, Talent Siniyi, Ray Morrison, Lawal Abdul Azizi, David Ogogona, Gift Prince, and Kingsley Honest.

Investigators said the suspects were arrested in an apartment believed to have served as the group’s operational base.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Collins Francis Olayi Ojo is the alleged coordinator and leader of the syndicate. He is accused of facilitating the movement of nine Nigerians into Ghana by road and allegedly directing them into cyber fraud and other criminal activities.

During the raid, police retrieved 28 laptops and nine mobile phones, all of which have been seized for forensic examination as investigations continue.

The Ghana Police Service says efforts are ongoing to dismantle the criminal network and bring all those involved to justice.